Archives Month celebrates those institutions and individuals that help preserve and make accessible the important records of our actions as citizens, businesses, religious groups, government and society. The work of these institutions and individuals gives us a sense of being part of a larger picture and helps us begin to see ourselves connected to others—family, community, nation, or a group defined by ethnicity, religion, work or play. Previously observed as "Archives Week," we have expanded our activities to include the entire month of October.

Since 2002, the Library of Virginia, in conjunction with the Virginia Caucus of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC) and the Library of Virginia Foundation, has produced a poster commemorating the commonwealth’s archival and special collections, repositories and the rich, cultural record they protect. Cultural heritage repositories from across the state have contributed to the celebration by sharing images for inclusion on the poster, as well as each annual celebration web site, and by hosting events at their home institutions. The poster for Archives Month 2009 was paid for in part by a grant to the Virginia State Historical Records Advisory Board from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

While you are encouraged to explore all aspects of our web site during Archives Month in Virginia, please take time to learn more about your local archival institutions and encourage others to recognize their contribution to the quality of life in our communities.